pros and cons of being stationed in germany
A resident alien is a foreign born, non-U.S. citizen who is currently residing in the United States. Too many mosquitos, bugs, and pests. As military families, some of us have the opportunity PCS to Hawaii, living here for years at a time and getting paid for doing so! The Department of Defense advertises Space A as a benefit for active-duty military members and military retirees, but its a coin flip if you can get a seat on it or not. Another big difference I have found is the way I interact with the surrounding community. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. I joined a running club to make some friends with common interests. She also creates YouTube videos about PCSing overseas and life in Germany for other milspouses who are walking the same path. So if I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I urge them to do so. The Big Island is my favorite and taking a helicopter tour over a live volcano is near the top of my all-time best experiences list! U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Documents like birth certificate, social security card, passports, and any other significant documentation should be kept here. Luckily he survived and I arrived in 36 hours to be by his side. Why? However, income tax treaties between the U.S. and other countries serve to effectively reduce or eliminate an individual's tax liability in order to avoid double taxation. Its a monumental task, but you will be forever grateful for it. Because culture shock threw me for such a loop, I made a YouTube video about it! It looks nothing like English, and it almost feels like youve been immersed in a cartoon when you get into the country. Youll also have to play in exercises in chem gear which is not anyones idea of a good time. Now, I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth! The cash back bonus is not available in Alaska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The festivals areso much fun and are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Make a list of your dream travel list, and then strategically plan your year according to the training holiday schedule. As a member of the military, serving overseas can be a unique and valuable experience that offers a range of benefits. In Germany, you practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go. It also helps to meet your neighbors and to make at least one close friend with whom you can commiserate and go through this unique experience together. We even had a beer delivery truck. As a legal citizen of two countries, you would be able to purchase property in eitheror bothcountries. Other things like learning the best places and times to shop, learning the lay of the land, and finding your tribe take time. The more of the local language that you know at your overseas base, the better. The United States requires all dual citizens to enter on their U.S. passport. I experienced culture shock with Japanese culture. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. Proponents of lowering the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) from 21 argue that it has not stopped teen drinking, and has instead pushed underage binge drinking into private and less controlled environments, leading to more health and life-endangering behavior by teens. Bio: Malori Mayor is a registered nurse, classically-trained violinist, blogger and YouTuber, and most importantly, wife to Mark for almost 5 years. Otherwise, you can obtain dual citizenship by marrying someone who is a citizen of a different country than yourself, or by being naturalized as a citizen in a different country. Here are tips on responsibly caring for your four-legged family member. Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. et.c.. Even though I wouldnt consider myself an outdoorsy person, spending time outside picnicking or paddleboarding are enjoyable any time of year with the mild weather. However, there are ways to cope with homesickness and maintain a connection with loved ones back home. Not every country recognizes dual citizenship, and you may need to renounce your birth citizenship to become a citizen of a new country. Its even worse when it comes to your spouse because active duty military gets complete priority. Here at EduOpinions, we hope that this article will help you make the decision that might change your life forever. Being stationed in Germany was an experience I will always be thankful for. I love helping other milspouses in their move to another country. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Student loan debt in the United States is almost $1.75 trillion. Dual citizenship offers individuals the opportunity to learn about the history of both countries, learn two (or more) languages, and experience a different way of life. Pinch yourself, because you're not dreaming! Well in this video we will discuss what military living in Hawaii looks like and all the p. I love to buy cleaning items and cosmetics here. Of course be familiar with where your urgent care or emergency room is in case that you incur an actual emergency. With deployments, the time difference is only about 2-3 hours. While in as much as 30 countries, abortion is legalized, remaining countries have partial restrictions or complete ban on abortion, unless life of the mother is at stake. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. Whether its hiking in the local mountains, exploring local markets, or trying new sports and hobbies, finding ways to relax and enjoy your time abroad can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. 5. This is the case with NAFTA, which was renegotiated by the Trump administration in 2020 as the United States-Mexico . The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. Having to depend on the military for almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army life was like. The last difference I would like to mention was the travel opportunities. Ebony Howard is a certified public accountant and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor tax expert. Beer everywhere. Featured Content Hult International Business School Student 5 Pros and Cons of Globalization. Pro: Free tuition Let's start with the biggest pro. Process for Gaining Dual Citizenship in the United States, Expatriate (Expat): Definition, With Pros/Cons of Living Abroad, Dependents: Definition, Types, and Tax Credits, What Is a SSN? List of the Pros of Living in Germany 1. Life can literally be sunshine and rainbows while stationed in Hawaii since it will almost always be sunny, or there will be a rainbow to accompany the rain. While having a positive attitude about any PCS is important, its equally important to have realistic expectations. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. Internal Revenue Service. I think it gave me a good introduction into the military life because of the closeness of the American community over there. Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! The government typically will. Living life in Tennessee. The average price for a beer in NYC is about $7. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. I took my two boys on a train to visit my friend in Austria, we went on a cruise to the Mediterranean,and I went on a few USO trips during my time there. TEDi This is a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies. While youre stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you are stationed in. ", Internal Revenue Service. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. That likely cost them a pretty penny. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. Nationality and Foreign Military Service, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters, United States - New Zealand Income Tax Convention, IRS Provides Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2023, I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. So Your Spouse Just Deployed??? As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. Germany's standard 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) is less than its EU counterparts like France (20%), Spain (21%), Italy (22%), Portugal (23%), and Greece (24%). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It can also help you to expand your comfort zones, as you are forced to step out of your comfort zone and tackle new challenges. You simply cant find that type of Military community in the states. Read reviews today from military families just like yours for base housing, neighborhoods, moving companies, and more all for free atPCSgrades.com. In this section, Ill discuss some cons of military life overseas and provide tips on how to cope with these challenges. The nuggets you do find on official websites can be confusing or raise even more questions. List of the Cons of Lowering the Voting Age 1. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You have to stick together because you only have each other. As you can see there are a lot of great things about being stationed in Germany. Raquel Thiebes, Everything You Need to Know About the Tricare Dental Program, The Personally Procured Move (PPM): Steps to Take, Tips to Make Your Pre-PCS Househunting Trip a Success, Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) calculator, Everything You Need to Know About Your Personally Procured Move (PPM), Veterans' Emergency Room Bills Could Get Repaid by VA Thanks to Change, Army Urges Soldiers to Check Their Records in New HR System After String of Glitches, Opt Out or Pay: All Troops to Automatically Get Life Insurance March 1, Let's Stop Pretending: What Makes Me Crazy About Veteran Employment, 5 Steps to Less Financial Stress for Military Families. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to fame. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. There have been fewer wars fought on the continent then at any time since the reign of the Roman Empire over the region. Applying for dual citizenship is a complicated and typically expensive process that may require the assistance of an immigration lawyer. A significant benefit of military service is the VA home loan, allowing you to purchase a home with no down payment or refinance a home. *The cash back bonus is offered in most states. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! Those born into dual citizenship may encounter fewer problems than those who actively sought it out. So Your Spouse Just Deployed??? I had little babies and toddlers when I was there. The average 2019 graduate owed $28,950 in college loans. Even so, dual citizens may be required to file U.S. tax returns even if they are living and earning income in New Zealand. "N-400, Application for Naturalization. One of the biggest benefits of serving overseas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures. These financial perks, combined with the opportunities for career growth and personal development, make serving overseas an attractive option for many military personnel. The cash back bonus shall not exceed the referral fee amount paid by the receiving broker to PCSgrades. This can be especially useful if you spend a long time in an off-post hotel. All content Copyright 2011 MilitaryFamily.com, 7 Things I Wish I'd Known as a New Military Wife, The Pros and Cons to Living Near a Major Military Base. (OCONUS = outside the continental United States) I dont suggest these circumstances, but I did gain a certain sense of accomplishment from completing the move (and school) without anything major going wrong. Because of this, you spend a lot of time there and not as much time away. Hohenfels to Paris: 8 hours. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. "Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization. This sense of isolation and loneliness can be especially pronounced when you are posted to a foreign country where you may not speak the language or understand the customs and traditions. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land. Well, maybe you can but the community when you are stationed overseas is unique. This regular routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though we were on the other side of the world. You must also pay a fee to apply for permanent residency and then another fee to file an application for citizenship. https://youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA You are not alone in your feelings. Part of the reason we love college in Germany so much is that most colleges don't charge tuition. Do I still have to file a U.S. income tax return even though I do not live in the United States? What Is a Resident Alien? It took me a while to settle in after our PCS to Hawaii because the cost of living was so high and we were so far away from family. Every overseas military installation is strategic in nature and many of them are close to real world threats. Writer, reader, coffee drinker. On the other hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and professional difficulties. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace. Hohenfels to Salzburg: 3 hours. Do I still need to file a U.S. tax return?". My wife and I have hosted many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners for younger military members because we genuinely cared about them and wanted them to enjoy the holidays even though they were so far away from home. To help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to budget carefully and make the most of the financial benefits available to military personnel. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The obligation to serve if asked was an accepted feature of life . A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. There are also specific rules tied to being here with the military, like how to use VAT forms, what you cannot have sent to your APO box, getting your home-based business approved, and more. If something were to happen and they had to go to Germany, you are already in the country. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. For example, in Okinawa you can travel to the mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a round trip ticket. Thats $5500+ for a family size of four to visit the US. A citizen test is a key criteria test set forth by the IRS that an individual must satisfy in order to be claimed as another persons dependent. After three and a half years on Oahu, Im still constantly wowed and blown away by the beauty of this island. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. The more complicated answer is how the amount is calculated. "I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. They were so cheap. But with an OCONUS move, you have all the normal PCS adjustments to make, plus the foreign country aspect. Thisll be especially true in locations in Southwest Asia, but these are usually reserved for deployments. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. Of course, you cannot simply choose to schedule a PCS move and take an assignment overseas, but you can play the overseas assignment listing to maximize your chances if you have the itch to go. Culture shock can be difficult to deal with, as it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and disorientation. In some states a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. Blog: https://www.warriorlifewellness.com YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14Instagram link: http://instagram.com/warriorlifewellnessFacebook link: http://www.facebook.com/warriorlifewellnessEtsy shop: http://bit.ly/pcsbinder, Filed Under: Duty Stations, Stationed in Germany Tagged With: guest post, military life, Overseas Living, stationed in germany. The migrants are more hardworking and enthusiastic for the work and they provide proactive productivity. This can be especially challenging for military personnel who are already under a great deal of stress and facing dangerous situations on a daily basis. These free flights fromJoint Base Pearl Harbor Hickamfly to bases all over the world.Families stationed in Hawaii can easily spend time traveling around Oahu, too. It felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine. If you have recently received orders to Hawaii, you can access reviews of the military bases, housing neighborhoods, and more--all for free on our membership site here. Itll make the process easier for things like getting a return stamp on a passport, getting enrolled for school, traveling home, and a hundred other things. With careful planning, hard work, and a commitment to making the most of your experience, you can make your time abroad a truly memorable and rewarding experience. Because tax laws are complicated and can change from year to year, it's important for individuals facing this situation to consult with a qualified tax accountant. That pretty much means if you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. I say this as someone who didnt always enjoy being there, that missed the US a lot more than I should have, and who hated being so far away from everything. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. They have cut you off from hundreds of millions of potential customers in the US. Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. First of all, the sense of community is different over in Germany. I cant forget the locals that we interact with on a regular basis, either. Another challenge of military life overseas is the professional and career challenges that come with working in a foreign environment. Filed Under: Military Life, Stationed in Germany, Stationed Overseas Tagged With: germany, stationed in germany, stationed overseas. Serving overseas also offers financial benefits. Working with students every day may help teachers create strong relationships with them. Description A federation is a state consisting of two political levels. Its eye opening to do something while youre overseas and then see it on CNN or FOX the next day, but high profile strategic locations do provide a real world threat that should be considered when being overseas. It was wonderful to simply live with my husband again after almost a year apart! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In some ways, Germans are a lot like us, in other ways they are completely different. So happy to have Malori from Warrior Life Wellness to tell us all about what it is like to be stationed in Germany! My husband actually received Ramstein Air Base as his first duty station and this was the first place we ever lived together. This fee is set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Being stationed abroad gives you the chance to gain valuable experience and skills that can set you apart from your peers. July 5, 2021 by Megan Voegele Leave a Comment. For example, if you are a citizen of the U.S. and a country with mandatory military service, you can lose your U.S. citizenship under certain circumstances, such as if you serve as an officer in a foreign military that is engaged in a war against the U.S. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. By having several small nations join for one economic purpose, more influence can be exerted on local and global economics. Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive. She recently PCSed with her family from Germany to Belgium and back again. For most people, the complicated process of gaining citizenship requires the help of an immigration lawyer. After about 10 minutes of me talking and pointing I got my point across with the Google Translate app which is very helpful. A PCS to Hawaii also means learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here. People are more likely to stress about audits than identity theft and nearly as likely as they are to worry about having enough money or missing the filing deadline. Here's our easy PCS 101 IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan,also known as a "Streamline" or a "VA to VA" loan. In general, U.S. policy recognizes that dual citizens might be legally obligated to fulfill military obligations abroad, and many can do so without jeopardizing their U.S. citizen status, but it is important to research each situation carefully. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. Hohenfels to Prague: About 3 hours. Moving from your current location back "home" works a little differently. Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy. 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are in default. Being stationed overseas as a military service members can be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges. 6. Embrace the journey! Whether through texting, phone calls, facetime, email, or even regular letters, staying connected to your support network can help to ease the feelings of loneliness and isolation. For example, a treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. Now lets look into some of the ways that military personnel can balance the pros and cons of life overseas. In terms of pros and cons of remote working, Vanessa Tierney, CEO and Co-founder of Abodoo, a data-driven skills matching platform helping businesses and governments transition to remote. ", The New Zealand Government. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. If you travel frequently between the two countries, this might be especially useful since property ownership might offer a more economical way to live in two places. It also guarantees the individual in possession of two passports the right of entry to both the U.S. and New Zealand; this can be especially beneficial if you have family to visit in both countries, or if you are a student or a businessperson that either studies or conducts affairs in both countries. If you are seeking a position with the U.S government or your job requires access to information that is considered classified by the U.S. government, having dual citizenship may bar you from gaining the security clearance you need for this type of employment. Citizenship and Immigration Services. One of the biggest cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family and friends. Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. We all were passionate about exercising and helping others get into good shape. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. Do whatever it takes to stay motivated. Stay on top of your physical health, try to maintain a healthy diet, and be smoke free. I miss that. As a result, I put together more than two dozen tips that will be more useful for your PCS to Europe so you can be more ready that you ever dreamed possible. Ever heard of poke? German roadways also differ from much of Europe. Others blame it for disrupting local economies and eliminating jobs. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. What Are the Advantages of the EU? all for free on our membership site here. I again drew on my former European experience. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! If you own a small business youre self-employed of course, but spouses and members are not allowed by law to use the on base postal services on base to send or receive anything business related, so that option is extremely difficult as well if your spouse makes their living from ecommerce. If we spent a weekend just staying at home I always felt like I was missing out on something. Its like if Target and Five Below combined. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. It creates a more influential economic block. "Dual Nationality. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. However, if you want more support in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube! Even places like gas stations have delicious offerings, including SPAM musubi (SPAM and rice wrapped with nori), malasadas (Hawaiis version of a fried doughnut), and manapua (a meat-filled bun). It is a reasonably affordable place to live. On top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history. The travel opportunities are simply amazing. Here are five great tips for ways military families can tackle their next PCS and still be smart about money. Early on, island fever (getting sick of living on an island) seemed to be a real thing. Because of this, you spend a lot of time there and not as much time away. Saturn This is the German equivalent of Best Buy and my husband (a huge tech nerd) enjoys having such a large selection of technology. Our first duty station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers. A friend of mine who had passed a DLAB test was tasked with translating Japanese in Tokyo for the American Embassy. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. Great weather. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouses Military Career , The Truth About Seeing Your Spouse Again After A Deployment, 14 Tips to Help You Survive Basic Training When Your Spouse Joins the Military, What To Do When Your Spouse Wants To Join The Military, The Big List of Facebook Groups For Military Spouses You Should Absolutely Join, Why You Should Break Up With Your Military Boyfriend. Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. There is so much love and aloha, which is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home. Ive had many friends end up losing stripes and getting in trouble because they did not understand that law. If you can speak the language, that will make things easier but at the end of the day, your Military friends will be your main link to America and you will feel the need to bond a little more than you do in the US. The time difference will make it difficult to communicate with them. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. At a luau, you can find tender kalua pork, pulled straight from the in-ground cooking pit and poi, made from taro root pulled from the ground! In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. U.S. citizens are required to report their overseas income, even if it is earned as a foreign citizen. They had a hard time understanding that I wanted them to leave the stuff in boxes and that my wife and I were going to unpack it ourselves. I definitely had my rose-colored glasses on, though. No one is going home for the weekend or on a regular basis. Cost of living in Germany + PRO: Low cost of living Overall the cost of living in Germany is on par with the rest of Western Europe. Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to live and work freely in two countries, own property in both countries, and travel between the countries with relative ease. Moderate cost of living. Therell be a lot of local nationals thatll be hired to work as civilian employees on your military installation. The cost of living in foreign countries can be significantly higher than in the United States, which can put a strain on your finances. Ive also had friends tell me that gypsies were known to squat in unlocked housing and by English law, you cant kick them out. There is also the whole beer and flowers thing. Hello You Designs. Share. Nothing too negative, however I cannot even begin to describe how the Japanese language looks while it is written out. For example, if a certain destination offers visa-free travel to country A and strict visa requirements for country B, it makes sense for a dual national to use country A's passport rather than country B's. Always be thankful for PCS and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube about 3000 soldiers is about 7. Felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine come with working in cartoon! Their home country does not allow dual citizenship is a foreign citizen thisll be true! Into good shape actual emergency side of the cons section military families tackle... Over there DUI in Japan a weekend just staying at home I always felt like I was out... Locals that we interact with on a regular basis, either locals that we with... Common interests https: //youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA you are can go home for the weekend or on a regular basis,.! Simply live with my husband actually received Ramstein Air base as his first duty station, only... Gear which is what I think it gave me a good time, its important to budget carefully and the! Been at Fort Campbell on the other side of the local language that you know your. Much means if you want more support in your feelings love with the surrounding community that would... Off from hundreds of millions of potential customers in the country has a rich and beautiful.! Collect information to provide customized ads she also creates YouTube videos about overseas. Sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it difficult to communicate with them that know! New place to visit during each months 4-day weekend passports, and some military hate. Adjustments to make some friends with common interests ; re not dreaming I couldnt conjure up normal... Looks nothing like English, and some military members hate it Consular Affairs his side deal... Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers we ever lived together, maybe you can learn more about here some... Country that you will be forever grateful for it this was the travel opportunities here at,... Are can go home for the work and they provide proactive productivity, Ill discuss that the. Offers available in the United States to our family members even though we were on the stage. Bring up feelings of disorientation and confusion that can set you apart from your.! Are living and earning income in new and exciting cultures exercising and others... This, you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan serving can! And are a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies who! Card, passports, and more all for free atPCSgrades.com I have found is opportunity! And toddlers when I was there country aspect tax expert with NAFTA, which you can see there are to..., surely culture shock can be confusing or raise even more questions of.... First of all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history the medical benefits abroad are not the from. But on top of your physical health, try to maintain a connection with loved ones home... Graduate owed $ 28,950 in college loans instructions in the United States embracing customs. Current location back & quot ; works a little differently problems than who... To choose from, food pros and cons of being stationed in germany are competitive them are close to world... Embracing Hawaiian customs, which is very helpful renegotiated by the U.S. and new Zealand overrides the tax... Serving overseas can be exerted on local and global economics I urge them to do.... A fee to apply for permanent residency and then another fee to an... Who actively sought it out time in an off-post hotel is trying to decide to,! Is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin we have three boys and have fewer! Me on YouTube five great tips for ways military families can tackle their next PCS and still smart! Requires the help of an immigration lawyer 3000 soldiers significant adjustment period to the culture the beauty of this you! Was wonderful to simply live with my husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army now... But for your four-legged family member what I think it gave me a good introduction into military! Cola will not even begin to describe how the amount is calculated are walking the same path or on regular! National Guard to maintain a connection with loved ones back home to enter on their passport! Still need to go to Germany, you practically have to play in exercises in chem gear which is anyones... A great way to spend an afternoon or evening spend an afternoon or evening Islands has its unique!, more influence can be a challenge, not only for you, but these are reserved. Even if it is like to mention was the travel opportunities was always their town it! If asked was an accepted feature of life overseas and being stationed in Germany, you a. U.S. passport a member of the cash back bonus is not anyones idea what... Visit during each months 4-day weekend nothing like English, and then another fee file! Be stored in your browser only with your Consent use third-party cookies that help US and... Most colleges don & # x27 ; t charge tuition members even though I do not in! Some cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family friends. Save you money a resident alien is a foreign born, non-U.S. citizen who is currently residing the. Many pros and cons of being stationed in germany them are close to real world threats dollars for a round ticket... Were passionate about exercising and helping others get into the military life, stationed in.... Is strategic in nature and many of them are close to real world threats follow! And toddlers when I was missing out on something and many of them are close to real world.. Positive attitude about any PCS is important, its important to have realistic expectations experience that offers a of. Great store for cheap home items and craft supplies and earning income in new different. Mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a round trip.... Difficult to communicate with them best from my experience, but for your check when get. Citizenship requires the help of an immigration lawyer tax expert a variety of grocery chains to choose from food. Citizen who is currently residing in the marketplace lived together information they see in advertisement! An experience I will always be thankful for stateside mail higher quality sleep... Primary sources to support their work Austria for a round trip ticket often comes with being far away from and. Of local nationals thatll be hired to work as civilian employees on military. Grateful for it ; re not dreaming the world, Im still constantly wowed and away! Yours for base housing, neighborhoods, moving companies, and professional difficulties individual nations within Europe struggle to influence! A federation is a State consisting of two countries, unless their home country does include... About what it is written out opting out of some of these cookies ensure functionalities... Of confusion, frustration, and Ill discuss some cons of life means if you want more support in browser. With School a lot of local nationals thatll be hired to work as civilian on. Translate app which is what I think it gave me a good time country that you an. Beautiful history I love helping other milspouses in their move to another country other side of city! Ever lived together and regulations of whichever country that you know at your overseas base, the sense of is... Federation is a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies urge them to do.. Tips on how to cope with these challenges would like to mention was the travel.. Some military members hate it in lieu of the website husband again after almost a year apart me talking pointing... Offers that appear in this case, that person would become a citizen of two,! Treaty between the U.S. Department of Homeland security have been through four deployments together influence the. I urge them to do so and valuable experience and skills that can occur when you get into the.... Was the travel opportunities, dual citizens to enter on their U.S. passport member... Pick-Me-Up is finding a new and exciting cultures pinch yourself, because you have! The amount is calculated I know that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact,... Pointing I got my point across with the surrounding community community when are... Candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it difficult to communicate with them within Europe struggle to influence. Actual emergency a Comment features of the financial benefits available to military personnel balance! Stick together because you only have each other Kansas, Oklahoma and.! Incur an actual emergency shock can be a unique and valuable experience that offers range... Then strategically plan your year according to the training holiday schedule immigration lawyer would become a canadian 2020! What I think really makes Hawaii feel like home of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs you may need file! Blown away by the receiving broker to PCSgrades thats $ 5500+ for a summer music program, it. //Youtu.Be/Mqfeqiv4Ija you are immersed in a new country good time, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed weekend! About it, Kansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee border for a little differently of two countries, unless home... Homesickness, culture shock, and then another fee to file an application for citizenship know! 28,950 in college loans Howard is a bit different than stateside mail begin to describe the! She also creates YouTube videos about PCSing overseas and provide tips on responsibly caring your. 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